orange drop cookie recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best orange drop cookie recipe

I’ve been making orange drop cookies for years, and they’ve become a staple in our household. The recipe originated from my grandmother, who brought it with her from the southern United States.

The combination of the sweet orange zest and the crunchy sugar on top is a match made in heaven. Every time I bake a batch, my kids and husband can’t get enough of them.

They’re perfect for a quick snack or dessert, and they’re even healthier than traditional cookies because of the orange zest’s high vitamin C content. Plus, the recipe is easy to follow and requires minimal ingredients, making it a great option for busy home cooks like myself.

I love that the cookies are soft and chewy on the inside and crispy on the outside, just like my grandmother used to make. Over the years, I’ve experimented with different variations, but this classic recipe remains my favorite.

It’s a crowd-pleaser at family gatherings and potlucks, and it’s always a hit with my friends who come over for dinner parties. The best part?

The cookies are easy to make ahead of time and freeze well, so you can whip up a batch whenever you need a sweet treat. Whether you’re looking for a special occasion dessert or just a tasty snack for your kids’ lunchboxes, these orange drop cookies are sure to please.

Orange Drop Cookies

4.6 from 1000 votes

These orange drop cookies are a delightful treat with a burst of citrus flavor. Perfect for a snack or a dessert, these cookies are soft, chewy, and incredibly easy to make.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time25 mins
Servings: 12Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 150 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the cookie dough

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
zest of 2 oranges
1/4 cup orange juice

For the glaze

1 cup powdered sugar
2-3 tbsp orange juice

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Set aside.
4In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
5This should take about 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer.
6Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
7Add the orange zest and orange juice, mixing well to incorporate.
8Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
9The dough should be slightly sticky.
10Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
11You should have about 12 cookies.
12Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
13The centers may still look soft, but that’s okay they will firm up as they cool.
14Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
15While the cookies are cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth.
16Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies and allow it to set for a few minutes before serving.
17Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Electric mixer
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Whisk
Zester
Cooling rack

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 150 kcal🧈Total Fat: 6g💛Saturated Fat: 3.5g❤️Cholesterol: 25mg🧂Sodium: 80mg🌾Total Carbs: 22g🥦Dietary Fiber: 0.5g🍬Sugars: 16g🥩Protein: 2g

📝Notes

Tips: For a more intense orange flavor, you can add a few drops of orange extract to the dough. You can also substitute the orange juice in the glaze with lemon juice for a different citrus twist.

Watch Video Of How Orange Drop Cookies Works

These orange drop cookies are always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a family gathering or just a quick snack for your kids’ lunchboxes.

They’re easy to make ahead of time and freeze well, so you can whip up a batch whenever you need a sweet treat.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it’s perfect for reheating – simply bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or until crispy on top.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Orange Drop Cookies

1. What type of sugar should I use for this recipe?

I recommend using granulated sugar for this recipe. You can also use turbinado sugar if you want a slightly coarser texture.

2. Can I substitute the orange zest with orange extract?

No, I wouldn’t recommend using orange extract as a substitute for the orange zest. The zest provides a unique texture and flavor that can’t be replicated with extract.

3. How do I store leftover cookies?

You can store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 2 months.

4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with almond flour or coconut flour.

5. Why do you recommend using unsalted butter?

I recommend using unsalted butter because it has a milder flavor that won’t overpower the other ingredients in the cookie.

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